Guidelines for Becoming a Wise Individual: What to Do and What to Avoid

When you ponder wisdom, you might immediately think of qualities like possessing vast knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge wisely. Perhaps you have an older family member who everyone turns to for advice whenever there’s a problem. Need help navigating a disagreement between relatives? You know you can rely on this elder to provide guidance and help find a solution.

Wisdom could also be seen as having a deep understanding of the world. In this case, you might seek advice from another family member who can assist with planning a vacation to an unfamiliar destination. You trust that you’ll receive valuable insights, from figuring out travel logistics to discovering hidden gems not found in travel guides.

Reflecting on these examples, you might realize that someone can be wise in one aspect of life but not necessarily in others. Additionally, you might wonder why seeking advice is even necessary. Perhaps having extensive knowledge is sufficient without the need for practical application.

Considering these scenarios illustrates why it’s beneficial to define wisdom. Beyond being an academic exercise, understanding what constitutes wisdom can help you strive to become a better person. As the saying goes, “with age comes wisdom,” but it’s also desirable to cultivate wisdom proactively.

Psychologist Robert J. Sternberg from Cornell University, renowned for his work on human intelligence, ventured into the study of wisdom in 1998 with his “balance” theory. This theory proposed that wisdom involves balancing one’s own needs, the needs of others, and the needs of the world. However, Sternberg now sees this theory as only one aspect of wisdom, focusing on the processing of information. His new approach, based on the main branches of philosophy, provides a more comprehensive understanding of wisdom.

Sternberg’s theory, known as the “Tree of Philosophy (TOP),” identifies seven branches of wisdom:

1. Epistemology: Knowing what you know and acknowledging what you don’t.
2. Ontology: Prioritizing the well-being of others in decision-making.
3. Ethics: Having a clear understanding of right and wrong and adhering to moral principles.
4. Logic: Making decisions based on rational analysis rather than intuition.
5. Aesthetics: Promoting harmony and beauty in the world.
6. Hermeneutics: Evaluating situations based on facts rather than wishful thinking.
7. Axiology: Using logical reasoning to inform decision-making processes.

By considering these branches, you can assess your own strengths and areas for growth in wisdom. Furthermore, they can guide you in seeking advice from individuals who possess the necessary qualities to provide thoughtful and well-informed guidance.

In essence, wisdom may be viewed as a developmental process, shaped by life experiences and guided by philosophical principles. By understanding and embracing these principles, you can navigate life’s challenges more effectively and foster personal growth.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Psychology Today}